Graduate Advising

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The UW-Platteville advising team is ready and excited to help you reach your academic goals. Throughout your time with us, you can count on your advisor to assist you in navigating through your program while connecting you with the resources you will need to succeed. In order to get things started, make an appointment with your advisor as soon as possible for an academic planning discussion and to answer any questions you may have at the start of your program.

We want to give you the best support we can in a manner that's convenient for you. While we will ask how you'd like to be contacted, please know that we will also send emails and call you during the registration period to ensure you're on track.

Congratulations on being admitted to UW-Platteville! Now what?

First things first. You will receive an email shortly containing your username and temporary password, along with a welcome letter from your advisor. You will also receive a packet in the mail containing your program plan and other resources to help you decide which courses are best for you. After you've received these documents, email your advisor to set up an appointment. Your advisor is more than happy to talk with you about how to enroll, which courses are offered in the upcoming semester, tips on using Desire2Learn, and other useful pieces of information.

Before your meeting, we encourage you to review the frequently asked questions, as it's likely other students may have the same questions as you.

What resources will I need each semester?

There are a few key things you'll need to kick off your educational journey with us, and we suggest you save the links below until you've completed your degree.

Registration: Your advisor will assist you with your course selection and will follow-up with you each semester to ensure you meet the registration deadlines.

PASS Tips: To help you navigate through our Pioneer Administrative Software System (PASS) smoothly, we encourage you to check out these tips. If there is another process you think would benefit from a tips sheet, contact your advisor.

Academic Calendars: As you continue to plan each semester, make sure to reference the academic calendars for important dates that are updated each term.

Students with Disabilities: If you are interested in requesting information for a disability, please review the information on students with disabilities. For more information, contact Marcia Rako at rakom@uwplatt.edu or 800.632.5460.

Time Management Resources: Because many of our distance students are trying to balance their studies with working full time or having family obligations, we have created a list of time management tips and resources to help you make the most of your time with us.

Textbooks: Textbooks are listed on our website when registration opens each term. To view which textbooks are necessary for your course, check out what is listed in MBS direct, UW-Platteville's official textbook provider. It's important that you have your textbooks the first week of classes, so don't delay in ordering them. Textbooks are not included in the cost of tuition and fees.

Course Rotation/Offerings: To help you plan what courses to take each semester, visit our graduate course offerings page. You can search for courses by the program you are enrolled in or by the subject matter of the course.

Karrmann Library: The UW-Platteville Karrmann Library is available to help you locate peer-reviewed articles and books to support your projects and papers.

External Resources: Need a little extra help in a particular course? Below is a list of online resources to assist with your coursework.

The Pioneer Connection: The Pioneer Connection is a Distance Education publication that provides important dates, news, student profiles, and program information. An online edition is emailed to students every month, and a print edition is published once a semester and mailed to students' residences.

How can I track my progress through the program?

Your program plan is the best way to track your degree because it allows you to see what courses and requirements still need to be completed. If you need an updated copy of your program plan, please contact your advisor.

Capstone, Thesis, or Independent Study: Before you begin your capstone, thesis, or independent study, you must first submit the instructor/advisor approval form and a detailed proposal of your capstone, thesis, or independent study to your advisor. Contact your advisor for more information and submission due dates for each semester.

I'm ready to receive my certificate or diploma, now what?

You're almost there! Schedule an appointment with your advisor for a program plan review to ensure all requirements are met for you to graduate during your intended term.

After you've received your program plan, an electronic graduation form will be sent to you. In order to graduate, you must fill it out and return it to our office. Watch for graduation paperwork deadlines for each semester.

Once all of the paperwork is completed and processed, join us to celebrate your achievements at either our May or December graduation ceremony. All of our graduates, along with their family and friends, are invited to attend our commencement festivities.